Water management system

ABSTRACT

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a water management system. One aspect of a version of the invention comprises a manifold with separate lines running to separate appliances and fixtures. Each individual line detects leaks, alerts that a leak has occurred, shuts down only the leaking line, and provides a visual cue to alert that the line is leaking. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system comprises a hot water heater water management system that detects leaks, sounds an alarm, shuts down the water heater power, and drains the water heater. In a preferred embodiment, once the water heater is repaired and refilled, the power is automatically restored.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A preferred embodiment of the invention refers to a building water management system for detecting leaks and water loss and shutting down the compromised lines.

BACKGROUND

Traditional piping systems based on copper or hard metal pipes and rigid connectors are giving way to new methods. One new method for water distribution gaining acceptance in the home and commercial building industry is the use of manifold plumbing systems. Unlike the conventional copper-pipe trunk and branch infrastructure, manifold plumbing systems function like circuit breakers for water.

Manifold plumbing systems are control centers for hot and cold water that feed flexible cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) supply lines to individual fixtures. Manifolds, together with PEX lines, offer installation-related cost advantages over conventional rigid pipe plumbing systems. The unique features of PEX piping make it ideal for use in manifold-type system designs, commonly referred to as home-run plumbing systems. In this design, all fixtures are fed from dedicated piping that runs directly and unbroken from a central manifold or manifolds.

Whether a manifold or conventional plumbing system, the first step in stopping a leaking fixture or pipe is to be aware that a leak exists. Generally, a water leak is silent, or very quiet. Attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,347 and U.S. Publication Ser. Nos. 10/031,5245 and 06/020,8912. However each one of these references suffers from many disadvantages. Primarily, an audio or visual alarm cannot automatically shut down the leaking water supply system. An alarm is simply made to notify the user responsible for correcting the leak. Because an alarm is useless if no one is there to hear it, leak detection systems based on audio or visual alarms must be equipped with other shut-off elements. Furthermore, the types of alarms available measure leakage from only one pipe or fixture. Thus a complicated system of alarms must be equipped to fully analyze leakage from the various fixtures and appliances present in a home, apartment complex, or commercial building.

Because alarms alone cannot automatically shut off water supplies, attempts have been made to solve this problem as found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,675,826 and U.S. patent Publication Ser. No. 13/009,2242. However, each of these references suffers disadvantages. First, the disclosures are used to measure one, or only a few, water lines. Additionally, the disclosures require adding additional pieces to the water line and/or fixture. Furthermore, if a leak is detected, the entire water supply is shut-off, thus shutting off water to other fixtures and appliances.

Of all the fixtures and appliances, one of the most dangerous and destructive is a leaking or burst hot water heater or hot water heater pipe. Not only does a hot water heater generally hold a large capacity of water, but the water container therein is extremely hot. A sudden discharge of the hot water stored inside of the water heater could cause extreme burning to a human or domestic animal. In addition, the massive amount of rushing hot water could quickly flood basements or other areas of the home.

Information relevant to attempts to address these problems can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,345,224; 5,229,750; 4,572,113 and U.S. Publication Ser. Nos. 12/027,5927; 04/0206405. However, each one of these references suffers from one or more of many disadvantages.

First, the holding reservoir used in many of the disclosures may also have an undetected leak. Additionally, the reservoir may overflow if a pipe bursts, thus creating a more dangerous situation, as an increased rush of hot water will be released when the reservoir overflows. Another disadvantage is that some systems were created for draining water from the system before leaving the home or building for an extended period of time during the winter, not quickly detecting and draining leaks. Other systems do not automatically shut off a leaking or burst hot water heater. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not drain the water left in the water heater. Another disadvantages is that many systems do not automatically turn off the hot water heater when a leak has been detected, or when the water heater has been drained. Another disadvantage is that many systems do not automatically turn the power back on when the tank has been refilled.

As noted from the foregoing, problems exist in the field relating to leak detection, leak control, and water management systems. Thus, a need exists in the art for a water management system that overcomes the disadvantages of the current systems and methods.

SUMMARY

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter nor is this Summary intended to be used to limit the claimed subject matter's scope.

An embodiment of a version of the invention is directed to a water management system. A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water manifold system, individual ports, water lines, water flow measurement elements, and/or shut off elements. In one embodiment, a manifold comprises both a hold and cold side. Preferably, both hot and cold sides have hold and cold water lines. In a preferred embodiment, the water lines coming from the manifold ports are equipped with flow sensors, normally open solenoid valves, detection lights, and manual shut off valves at each port. Additionally, in a preferred embodiment, the main service line feeding the manifold is monitored with a flow sensor, normally open solenoid valve, detection lights, and manual shut off valve. In a preferred embodiment, each fixture is identified on the manifold cover.

Yet another preferred embodiment of a version of a water management system comprises a water management apparatus for hot water heaters. A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element, a shut off element, a water heater supply line, a shut off element, and a leak detection element.

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element located below a hot water heater. The water detection element is in contact with a shut off element. The shut off element is connected to a water heater supply line. In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element sends a signal to the shut off element when water is detected. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a leak detection element is signaled upon water being detected by the water detection element.

In one embodiment, a version of the invention comprises the water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal to a power relay box. In a preferred embodiment, the relay box has a connection to the hot water heater power supply and activates a shut off element for shutting off power to the hot water heater.

In a preferred embodiment, a version of the invention comprises a water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal is to a draining element for draining water from the hot water heater. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the draining element allows water to drain from the hot water heater via a draining pipe.

In a preferred embodiment, the hot water heater is reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater is automatically refilled with water. The power to the hot water is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the system is operated off of alternating current (A.C.). In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the system is operated off of direct current (D.C.). In yet another embodiment of the invention, the water management system is integrated with an alarm system or separate alarm box.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing where:

FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system.

FIG. 2 is a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system.

FIG. 3 is a front view of an apparatus embodying features of the present invention for a water management system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the Summary above and in this Detailed Description, and the Claims below, and in the accompanying drawings, reference is made to particular features, including method steps, of the invention. It is to be understood that the disclosure of the invention in this specification includes all possible combinations of such particular features. For example, where a particular feature is disclosed in the context of a particular aspect or embodiment of the invention, or a particular claim, that feature can also be used, to the extent possible, in combination with/or in the context of other particular aspects of the embodiments of the invention, and in the invention generally.

The term “comprises” and grammatical equivalents thereof are used herein to mean that other components, ingredients, steps, etc. are optionally present. For example, an article “comprising” components A, B, and C can contain only components A, B, and C, or can contain not only components A, B, and C, but also one or more other components, or can contain at least one component chosen from A, B, or C.

Where reference is made herein to a method comprising two ore more defined steps, the defined steps can be carried out in any order or simultaneously (except where the context excludes that possibility), and the method can include one or more other steps which are carried out before any of the defined steps, between two of the defined steps, or after all the defined steps (except where the context excludes that possibility).

The present invention is directed to a water management system. With reference to the drawings, and particularly FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water manifold system, further comprising a water manifold 10 having individual ports 11 attached thereto. In a preferred embodiment, each individual port 11 has a water line 12. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, each port 11 is equipped with a water flow measurement element 13. In one embodiment, the water flow measurement element 13 is in contact with a port shut off element 14.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention, a water management apparatus comprises the water flow measurement element 13 sending a signal to the port shut off element 14 if irregular flow is measured in a water line 12 and the port 11 is shut off.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention the water flow measurement element 13 is a pressure switch. In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the port shut off element is a normally open valve.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises the manifold 10 having a detection light 15. The detection light 15 being activated when a leak is detected.

In yet another embodiment of a version of the invention, the manifold comprises a manual shut off valve. The manual shutoff valve allows a user to manually shut off a port.

In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the water manifold system operates on alternating current. Nevertheless, versions of the invention may operate on direct current.

In an embodiment of a water management apparatus, the water manifold 10 has a hot side 20 and a cold side 21. Each hot 20 and cold 21 side has water lines 12 attached thereto. Each water line 12 has a flow sensor 13 for detecting water flow. Each water line 12 further has a normally open solenoid valve 14 for shutting off a leaking line. Each water line 12 further has a detecting light 15 for alerting that a line is leaking or compromised. In one embodiment, each water line 12 has a manual shut off valve.

In one embodiment of a version of the invention the hot side 20 has individual hot side ports 11 and the cold side has individual cold side ports 11. The hot side ports 11 have hot side water lines 12 and the cold side ports have cold side water lines 12. The hot and cold side water lines 12 run to devices needing water. These devices may comprise, but are not limited to, appliances, fixtures, sprinklers, and any other devices requiring water.

In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a flow detecting element 13 is situated in each hot side 20 and cold side 21 port 11. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an individual water line shut off element 14 if an irregular fluid flow is detected. In a preferred embodiment, only the leaking line is shut off while the other regularly flowing lines are kept operational. In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an alerting element 15 for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected. This alerting element may be a visual and/or audio alert.

An embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a manifold having a main hot water line 22 and a main cold water line 23 connected to the manifold 10. In one embodiment, the main hot water line 22 and main cold water line 23 comprise a flow detecting element 13 in each main hot water line 22 and main cold water line 23. The flow detecting element 13 detects the flow of fluid in each individual main water line.

In a preferred embodiment, each main hot water line 22 and main cold water line 23 comprise a water line shut off element 14 for shutting off the main water line if an irregular fluid flow is detected. Preferably, the leaking line is shut off while the other regularly flowing line is left operational. In yet another embodiment, the main hot water line 22 and main cold water line 23 have an alarm element 15 for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected.

Preferably, the apparatus is operated on alternating current. In a preferred embodiment the apparatus operates on 24 volts alternating current. Nevertheless, versions of the invention may operate on direct current.

Yet another preferred embodiment of a version of a water management system comprises a water management apparatus for hot water heaters 30. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a water detection element 32 located below a hot water heater 31. The water detection element 31 is in contact with a shut off element 33. The shut off element 33 is connected to a water heater supply line 34. In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element 32 sends a signal to the shut off element 33 when water is detected. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, a leak alerting element 40 is signaled upon water being detected by the water detection element 32. In one embodiment of a version of the invention, the water management system further comprises a drip pan 44 located below the hot water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system 30 comprises the water detection element 32 detecting fluid and sending a signal to a power relay box 35. In a preferred embodiment, the relay box has a connection to the hot water heater 31 power supply and activates a shut off element 38 for shutting off power to the hot water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system 30 comprises a water detection element 32 detecting fluid and sending a signal to a draining element 36 for draining water from the hot water heater 31. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the draining element 36 allows water to drain from the hot water heater via a draining pipe 45. In one embodiment, the draining pipe 45 leads outside the home or building. In yet another embodiment, the draining pipe 45 leads to a municipal water drain.

In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system 30 comprises the hot water heater 31 is reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater 31 is automatically refilled with water.

In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system 30 comprises the power to a hot water heater 31 is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element 37 detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, a hot water heater water management system 30 comprises the water detection element 32 located below a hot water heater 31 is a normally open wet switch. Upon the normally open wet switch 32 detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box 35. In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the relay box 35 sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve 33 located on a cold water supply line 34. Once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve 33 located on the cold water supply line 34 the water feeding the hot water heater 31 is shut off.

In a preferred embodiment, after a leak has been detected and the main water line 34 is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve 36 and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve 39 allowing the water heater 31 to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power. The reset action causes the water heater 31 to be refilled with water. In a preferred embodiment, the water heater has a psi switch 37 for detecting a proper refill level in the hot water heater 31. Once a proper amount of water is detected, the psi switch 37 sends a signal to a relay box 35, which in turn sends a signal to the power relay 38. The power relay 38 restores the power to the water heater 31.

As noted in FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a manual shutoff valve 41 on the hot water heater supply line 34.

A preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a building water management system comprising a water manifold 10, and a hot water management device 30. In one embodiment, the water manifold 10 comprises a hot side 20 and a cold side 21. The hot side 20 has individual hot side ports 11 and the cold side 21 has individual cold side ports 11. The hot side ports 11 have hot side water lines 12 and the cold side ports 11 having cold side water lines 12. The hot and cold side water lines 12 run to devices needing water. In a preferred embodiment, the ports 11 have flow detecting elements 13 therein detecting the flow of fluid in each individual hot water line 12 and cold water line 12. Each individual water line 12 has a shut off element 14 capable of shutting off the individual water line 12 if an irregular fluid flow is detected. Each individual water line 12 has an alerting element 15 for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected.

In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, the system further comprises a hot water heater management device comprising a water detection element 32 located below a hot water heater 31. The water detection element 32 is in contact with a shut off element 33. In a preferred embodiment, the shut off element 33 is attached to a water heater supply line 34. The water detection element 32 sends a signal to the shut off element 33 when water is detected. The water detection element 32 detects fluid and a signal is sent to a power shut off element 38 for shutting off power to the hot water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, the water detection element 32 detects fluid and a signal is sent to a draining element 36 for draining water from the hot water heater 31. The hot water heater 31 is reset, except for the power, when the leak is corrected, and the hot water heater 31 is automatically refilled. The hot water heater 31 power is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element 37 detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater 31.

Embodiments of the invention further comprise, the water detection element 32 located below a hot water heater is a normally open wet switch. Upon the normally open wet switch 32 detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box 35. The relay box 35 sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve located 33 on a cold water supply line 34. Once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve 33 located on the cold water supply line 34 the water feeding the hot water heater 31 is shut off.

In a preferred embodiment, after a leak has been detected and the main water line 34 is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve 36 and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve 39 allowing the water heater 31 to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater 31.

In a preferred embodiment, upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power. The reset action causes the water heater 31 to be refilled with water. In a preferred embodiment, the system has a psi switch 37 for detecting a proper refill level in the water heater 31. The psi switch 37 sends a signal to a power relay 38 once a proper amount of water is detected. The power relay 38 restores the power to the water heater 31.

A preferred embodiment of an apparatus comprising aspects of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 3. As illustrated in FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment comprises a power supply, comprising a 240V/24VAC Transformer 42. It is understood that versions of the invention comprise other transformers. As further illustrated in FIG. 3, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises a fuse 46. In one embodiment, the fuse 46 is a 10A fuse. It is understood that versions of the invention may comprise other fuses.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention comprises element covers 43 for storing wiring, plumbing, and electronics cleanly and out of the way.

In a preferred embodiment of a version of the invention, all fixtures and appliances will be constantly monitored. In addition, the hot water heater will be monitored. Therefore, the water management system will significantly reduce the risk of leaks and flooding.

A primary advantage of a preferred embodiment of the water management system is the simplicity of the system and ease at which the system can be installed and serviced. Additionally, aspects of features of the invention have the advantage of allowing one to quickly find the leak without cutting holes in the wall or sheetrock. Additionally, aspects of the invention allow a homeowner, plumber, or technician to instantly know which port off of the manifold is leaking. Because each water line and fixture is supplied separately, any water loss from a leak will be minimal because the only water that will be able to escape from the leaking pipe will be the amount in the pipe before the valve is shut off at the port. Therefore, one advantage of an embodiment of the invention is that the water management system will not only shut down the leak, but will also identify which water line has a leak. Additionally, one embodiment of the water management system further detects leaks coming from the water heater. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A water management apparatus comprising: A water manifold system, comprising: a water manifold having individual ports attached thereto, each individual port having a water line, each port being equipped with a water flow measurement element, the water flow measurement element being in contact with a port shut off element.
 2. A water management apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising the water flow measurement element sends a signal to the port shut off element if irregular flow is measured in a water line and the port is shut off.
 3. A water manifold system as in claim 1, further comprising: the water flow measurement element is a pressure switch, and the port shut off element is a normally open valve.
 4. A water manifold system as in claim 1, further comprising, the manifold comprises an alert element and a manual shut off valve, the alert element being activated when a leak is detected, and the manual shutoff valve allowing a user to manually shut off a port.
 5. A water manifold system as in claim 1, further comprising, the manifold system operates on alternating current.
 6. A water management apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising: the water manifold has a hot side and a cold side, each hot and cold side having water lines, each water line having a flow sensor for detecting water flow, each water line having a normally open solenoid valve for shutting off a leaking line, each water line having a detecting light for alerting that a line is comprised, and each water line having a manual shut off valve.
 7. A water management apparatus comprising: A manifold, the manifold comprising: a hot side and a cold side, the hot side having individual hot side ports and the cold side having individual cold side ports, the hot side ports having hot side water lines and the cold ports having cold side water lines, the hot and cold side water lines running to devices needing water, A flow detecting element in each hot side and cold side port, said element detecting the flow of fluid in each individual hot water line and cold water line, An individual water line shut off element, said element shutting off a line if an irregular fluid flow is detected, while keeping the other regularly flowing lines operational, and An alerting element for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected.
 8. A water management apparatus, as in claim 7, further comprising: the apparatus comprises a main hot water line and a main cold water line connected to the manifold, the main hot water line and main cold water line comprising: a flow detecting element in each main hot water line and main cold water line, said flow detecting element detecting the flow of fluid in each individual main water line, a water line shut off element for shutting off the main water line if an irregular fluid flow is detected, while keeping the other regularly flowing lines operational, and an alert element for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected.
 9. A water management apparatus, as in claim 7, further comprising the apparatus is operated on alternating current.
 10. A water management apparatus, as in claim 7, further comprising the apparatus is operated on 24 volts alternating current.
 11. A water management apparatus for hot water heaters, the apparatus comprising: a water detection element located below a hot water heater, the water detection element being in contact with a shut off element, the shut off element being attached to a water heater supply line, the water detection element sending a signal to the shut off element when water is detected.
 12. A water management system as in claim 11, further comprising, the water detection element detects fluid and a signal is sent to a power shut off element for shutting off power to the hot water heater.
 13. A water management system as in claim 11, further comprising, the water detection element detects fluid and a signal is sent to a draining element for draining water from the hot water heater.
 14. A water management system as in claim 11, further comprising, the hot water heater is reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater is automatically refilled with water.
 15. A water management system as in claim 14, further comprising, the hot water heater power is automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater.
 16. A water management system as in claim 11, further comprising the water detection element located below a hot water heater is a normally open wet switch, upon the normally open wet switch detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box, the relay box sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve located on a cold water supply line, once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve located on the cold water supply line the water feeding the hot water heater is shut off.
 17. A water management system as in claim 16, further comprising after a leak has been detected and the main water line is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve allowing the water heater to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater.
 18. A water management system as in claim 17, further comprising: upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power the reset action causes the water heater to be refilled with water, the water heater having a psi switch for detecting a proper refill level, the psi switch sending a signal to a power relay once a proper amount of water is detected, the power relay restoring the power to the water heater.
 19. A water management apparatus for hot water heaters as in claim 11, further comprising a leak detection element is signaled upon water being detected by the water detection element.
 20. A building water management system comprising a water manifold, and a hot water heater management device, the water manifold comprising: a hot side and a cold side, the hot side having individual hot side ports and the cold side having individual cold side ports, the hot side ports having hot side water lines and the cold ports having cold side water lines, the hot and cold side water lines running to devices needing water, the ports having flow detecting elements therein detecting the flow of fluid in each individual hot water line and cold water line, each individual water line having a shut off element capable of shutting off the individual water line if an irregular fluid flow is detected, and each individual water line having an alerting element for alerting a person that an irregular fluid flow has been detected, the hot water heater management device comprising: a water detection element located below a hot water heater, the water detection element being in contact with a shut off element, the shut off element being attached to a water heater supply line, the water detection element sending a signal to the shut off element when water is detected, the water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal to a power shut off element for shutting off power to the hot water heater, the water detection element detecting fluid and sending a signal to a draining element for draining water from the hot water heater, the hot water heater being reset when the leak is corrected, except for the power, and the hot water heater is automatically refilled, the hot water heater power being automatically turned on once a pressure sensing element detects the proper amount of water pressure inside the hot water heater.
 21. A building water management system as in claim 20, further comprising: the water detection element located below a hot water heater is a normally open wet switch, upon the normally open wet switch detecting water a signal is sent to a relay box, the relay box sends a signal to a normally open solenoid valve located on a cold water supply line, once the signal reaches the normally open solenoid valve located on the cold water supply line the water feeding the hot water heater is shut off, after a leak has been detected and the main water line is shut off, a signal is sent to a normally closed drain valve and a normally closed anti-vacuum valve allowing the water heater to completely drain all remaining water from the water heater, upon the leak being corrected, the system is reset, except for the power the reset action causes the water heater to be refilled with water, the water heater having a psi switch for detecting a proper refill level, the psi switch sending a signal to a power relay once a proper amount of water is detected, the power relay restoring the power to the water heater. 